Emma Kirkby's career as a singer initially came about quite unexpectedly. While studying Classical Philology at Oxford, she took every opportunity to sing, especially polyphonic works of the Renaissance. During her brief time teaching classical philology, she was fortunate to encounter numerous pioneering early music groups and was impressed by their expressive voices and historical lute, wind, and string instruments. Today, she looks back on a decades-long career as a singer, captivating listeners worldwide with her distinctive voice and expressive interpretations. Over 100 CD recordings testify to her artistic achievements. Emma Kirkby is an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, invited to numerous masterclasses and academies worldwide, where she passionately supports the next generation of singers. For more information: www.emmakirkby.com

The bass-baritone Florian Franke has earned an outstanding reputation, particularly as a vocal pedagogue. His intensive collaboration with Emma Kirkby has been especially influential for him. In 2025, he and the soprano have invitations for courses in Austria (Vienna), Italy (Venice), and Germany (Neuburg an der Donau and Wernigerode). In November 2024, Florian Franke represented Prof. Caroline Thomas at the HfM Detmold. He regularly mentors professional singers as well as Bachelor and Master students majoring in voice. Additionally, Franke is a mentor for students in vocal pedagogy and a sought-after vocal coach. He has supervised projects such as "Bach im Spiegel" of the German Music Council's National Youth Choir under the direction of Prof. Anne Kohler. Florian Franke enjoys the trust of many singers and is often praised for his empathetic and holistic approach. The bass-baritone is in demand as a concert singer and has a broad repertoire that includes major sacred works by J.S. Bach as well as contemporary pieces. A particular passion of the singer is the art song. Concert tours have taken him to Greece, Belgium, Austria, France, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Italy. For more information: www.florianfranke-bassbariton.de
©️Clara Evens

The pianist Nadja Naumova achieved great international success as a concert pianist at an early age. She made her debut as a soloist with the National Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg and won first prize at the "Citta di Racconigi" competition in Italy. She regularly performs as a soloist and accompanist throughout Europe. In addition to her concert activities, Nadja Naumova is a dedicated teacher and vocal coach. A significant focus of her work is with singers, which is particularly close to her heart. She holds a teaching position at the Hochschule für Musik Detmold and is a sought-after coach for opera productions, concerts, and international masterclasses. For more information: www.nadjanaumova.com

Taichi Hiratsuka was born in Tokyo in 1996. He completed his Bachelor's degree in orchestral conducting at the Tokyo University of the Arts. From 2020, he continued his education with a Master's degree in conducting at the Music and Arts Private University of the City of Vienna (MUK) as a scholarship holder of the Japanese Ministry of Culture. In September 2023, he began a Master's program in vocal coaching for opera at MUK. He conducts symphonic music, contemporary music, and opera. In 2023, he conducted the Tonkünstler Orchestra of Lower Austria. In 2024, he conducted the same orchestra at the Musikverein in Vienna.